One artist's work featured at a mosaic exhibition in Toronto pays homage to Gisèle Pelicot, a French sexual abuse survivor whose brave testimony has spurred a global movement toward enhancing protections for women. The piece, titled Gisèle and the Unity of Women, was created by Valerie Brownell, the president of Mosaic Artists of Canada. It is currently displayed at the National Mosaic Art Exhibition located in the city's west end.
Gisèle Pelicot, now 72, endured a harrowing experience over nearly a decade, during which she was drugged and raped by her husband, who also invited numerous others to participate in her abuse. Her courageous decision to testify against her abusers has garnered international recognition and has contributed to significant changes in France's legal definition of rape to include consent. Brownell recalls closely following Pelicot's trial and noted the powerful support that flowed in from women who attended daily, chanting "shame is changing sides."
Inspiration for Brownell's mosaic came as she reflected on the trial and the accompanying marches. "Mosaics is not a fast art form by any means," Brownell remarked, emphasizing the meticulous nature of her craft. The central theme of her piece is represented by a line of nails symbolizing Pelicot's abusers. These nails curve and weave through blue smalti, the mosaic glass representing Pelicot's world. On either side, Brownell used grey marble to illustrate the dark shadow the abusers cast over her life.
The mosaic itself is intentionally fragmented, conveying how Pelicot's life was shattered by the traumatic events she faced. Despite this, Brownell highlighted that Pelicot retained her femininity, represented by gold smalti, which, along with warm marble tones surrounding her world, reflects the support of the women who stand by her.
Brownell, who transitioned to full-time mosaic art from a career as a lab technologist over 25 years ago, has gained recognition as an internationally acclaimed artist. The exhibition, running until September 12, 2025, showcases works by 34 professional and emerging Canadian artists, including innovative micro-mosaics, 3D sculptures, and textured wall pieces.
Another artist featured in the exhibition is Dianne Sonnenberg, an Ojibwe artist from the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Her mosaic, titled Turtle Island, incorporates stone, slate, and semi-precious gems to depict the turtle shell, topped with ribbons of textile patterns symbolizing the diverse cultures present in Canada. Sonnenberg's work is inspired by the realization that, despite individual differences, people share foundational similarities.
An awards and reception ceremony is scheduled for September 11, during which a jury will present several recognitions, including Best in Show, Innovation Award, Emerging Artist Award, and Juror's Choice Award. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to vote for a People’s Choice Award, with cash prizes of $150 for Best in Show and $50 for other awards. Most exhibited works, including Brownell's, are for sale at the gallery, alongside smaller original mosaics donated by various artists in support of Mosaic Artists of Canada.
Brownell encourages the public to engage with the exhibition by experiencing the mosaics up close, as a means of support and education about this intricate art form. The exhibition is currently hosted at the Neilson Park Creative Centre located at 56 Neilson Drive in Toronto.
